Page 26 of Coercion

Of always being the loser in these games.

“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” Levi growls.

I can’t speak. I can’t make any noise except a pathetic whimper. The wood that barely minutes ago felt like a viable weapon is now lying useless by my feet, though I don’t know when l dropped it.

He grabs me by my hair, hauling me along.

“I thought I made this perfectly clear…” He snarls, before throwing me face first into the waiting van. “You’ve already shamed this family once with your performance yesterday.”

I glare back at him. That’s how he viewed the entire sham that was my wedding day?

“You fuck this alliance up, Ruby, and I will make you wish you were never born.”

Like he hasn’t already.

Like I haven’t spent every day of the last five years dreaming of death, begging for it.

Preston

“How is she, Sidney?”

The pause tells me everything.

I can hear him walking about, searching, going from room to room. No doubt she’s tucked herself away, maybe even hidden herself in a cupboard.

“You were meant to be taking care of her.” I say irritated. “Has she even eaten since I left?

“Yes, sir.” Sidney replies. “She ate breakfast.”

“Breakfast?” I snap. That was hours ago. Did no one think to offer her lunch because it’s not like the girl would ask for it.

I can hear his breath picking up. I can hear him murmuring with someone and the words ‘outside’ mentioned. Is she in the garden? Is she hiding under a damn bush like some sort of faerie?

“What is going on?” I snap into the phone, finally losing what little patience I have.

“Your wife isn’t here.” Sidney says. “She went outside and now she’s vanished.”

“Where the fuck is she?” I growl, pushing my chair back, jumping to my feet.

“I, I don’t know sir…”

Jesus fucking Christ, how long has she been MIA? I only called for a check-up, what if I hadn’t bothered? What if I’d been too busy? I left two guards to watch over her but apparently that wasn’t enough.

I hang up before I really lose my temper and I’m quick to pull up the surveillance footage, scanning from screen to screen until I find what I’m looking for.

“Something amiss?” Blaine says with a smirk.

I shake my head, biting back the retort.

She’s good, I’ll give her that. I watch as she wanders around aimlessly amongst the roses, as she sniffs the flowers like she’s in some sort of drug induced haze. And then she disappears, vanishing behind a bush like we wouldn’t be able to put it together.

I dial Noah’s number and he picks up after two rings.

“Yes, boss?”

“My wife is MIA.” I state, meeting Nico’s eyes across the room. “I want her tracked down and located immediately.”

“Yes, boss.” Noah says hanging up.